*"The Holy Sword?"*
With my wedding date set and preparations in full swing, a royal envoy arrived at my doorstep. Out of the blue, he announced that I needed to embark on a quest to retrieve the Holy Sword. Amidst the chaos of wedding planning, I couldn't help but repeat the words, "The Holy Sword?" Only then did the envoy begin to explain properly.
In summary, Evangelin's plot to revive the Demon King was a grave threat. To defeat her, legendary artifacts like the Holy Sword were essential. The sword was sealed within a dungeon, and my assistance was required to retrieve it.
That was the gist of it.
*"I see."*
I wanted to refuse, but I knew this was a task I couldn't decline. Originally, in the game, the Holy Sword dungeon was an optional event to strengthen the hero before facing the Demon King. It involved defeating a few stone guardian monsters and retrieving the sword from the depths.
The problem? Only a man could touch the Holy Sword, and I had taken a gender-swapping potion, rendering me unable to wield it. Thus, I—a man powerful enough to defeat the Demon King—was needed to release the sword's power.
*"I understand. I'll cooperate fully."*
I smiled and nodded at the envoy, who left looking relieved. He kept apologizing for delaying the wedding, leaving me no choice but to conquer the dungeon before my big day.
*"Damn it."*
Eve was clearly annoyed. She sat by the pool, dipping her feet in the water, cursing the royal envoy repeatedly. Sellu, submerged in the pool, observed Eve and remarked,
*"Heh, Eve, you're eager to marry him, huh?"*
*"No, I'm not."*
*"Then why are you so upset?"*
*"Mom, think about it. Having things postponed like this sucks, doesn't it?"*
*"So, you want to get married quickly?"*
*"Damn it."*
Eve fell silent again. I sat by the pool, reviewing the documents detailing the dungeon expedition team. The kingdom had sent Bellix Karin. I was listed as the High Priest of the Grand Temple, and Hero A.A. was included as the top Demon King slayer. Surprisingly, Elf Princess Ahildern Erina's name was also on the list.
*"Is she okay to go? She's pregnant."*
*"Hey."*
Eve called me. I turned my head to look at her. She asked,
*"How long will this take?"*
*"I'm not sure. I've never been to this dungeon. If we get stuck, it could take a while."*
*"Does the Grand Temple have no one else? Why do they need someone who's about to get married?"*
*"Heh."*
*"Mom, no!"*
*"I didn't say anything—"*
As Eve confronted me, Sellu chuckled, prompting Eve to throw a slipper at her. Sellu ducked underwater, avoiding it. The slipper hit the surface with a splash.
Ira, organizing documents, asked,
*"Who will act as your proxy while you're gone?"*
*"No need. My wife is here."*
I pointed to Eve. A proxy is only needed if the lord is unmarried. With a wife, she holds authority over the estate. Eve frowned, asking,
*"Is that allowed?"*
*"What do you mean?"*
*"I'm a criminal and a mermaid hybrid. Will it really work?"*
*"Probably. The envoy didn't mention a proxy, so it should be fine."*
Honestly, I wasn't entirely sure. The law didn't specify restrictions for criminal wives or proxies. I planned to leave Eve, Ira, and Siery in charge unless someone objected.
*"We're not even married yet."*
*"Legally, we are."*
We hadn't had the ceremony, but Eve was my wife on paper. I prioritized the paperwork to free Eve and Sellu, delaying the wedding.
*"And I know nothing about running this place…"*
*"Just listen to Siery and Ira."*
*"Damn it."*
Eve glared at Ira, who hid behind me. Despite Eve's safety, Ira still feared her strength.
*"Siery's the nun from the Grand Temple, right?"*
*"Yes. She's my childhood friend, so be nice to her."*
*"What's your relationship with her?"*
Eve asked. I hesitated, and her expression darkened.
*"You sleazy bastard. The way you tried to sleep with me—it's not your first time, is it? Did you mess around with the nuns and servants here too?"*
Eve grumbled, shaking her head. Siery was at the church during the day, so she wasn't at the mansion. I shook my head.
*"Just Siery, you, Ira, and Sellu. That's it."*
*"You're bragging."*
Eve cursed. She seemed unhappy with my history with women. I decided not to mention Erina's pregnancy—that would push her too far.
*"You know I love you the most, Eve, right?"*
*"I don't know. You said the same to my mom."*
*"But I'm marrying you. That proves you're the one I love most."*
*"…You talk smoothly."*
Eve grumbled but didn't escalate. Despite her harsh words, she had a high tolerance. I wondered how she'd react if I brought more women into the mix, but for now, she seemed within limits.
*"Are you still involved with that nun?"*
Eve asked. I nodded. She pressed,
*"Who do you like more—her or me?"*
Such a direct question. Sellu laughed, and Eve threw another slipper, which Sellu dodged.
*"Definitely you, Eve."*
I'd given a similar answer to Siery, but it didn't matter. Eve seemed satisfied, nodding with a forced coolness that hid her smile.
*"Fine. As long as I'm the best to you. I'm a sinner too, so who cares how many women you sleep with? Just keep me on top."*
Eve seemed oddly cheerful. I was relieved. I hoped Siery could be as understanding, but given her possessiveness, their meeting would be interesting. Ira, being my devoted slave, wouldn't clash with Eve.
*"Even as the lord's wife, if you try to make policies alone, there'll be backlash. Just stay quiet."*
*"With the nun and Ira?"*
*"Yes. If Siery and Ira need accounting approvals, help them. If neighboring estates ask for aid, refuse without my permission. That's all."*
Some devastated neighboring estates kept requesting aid, despite my donations through the Grand Temple. I'd refused all requests involving estate funds, causing rumors of discontent.
The Central Church advised against using estate funds for donations, as it would increase innocent victims. Eve refusing wouldn't be an issue, but I worried about the neighbors' schemes in my absence.
But I had no choice. Defeating Evangelin was key to my carefree life in this world.
*"When are you leaving?"*
*"Tomorrow."*
*"So soon."*
*"The sooner I go, the sooner I return."*
*"Are you busy tonight?"*
Eve asked, scratching the ground. Her pale skin flushed red. Since arriving at the mansion, she preferred sleeveless outfits. A one-eyed beauty in sleeveless clothes—she was stunning. I felt a stir in my lower body.
With supplies packed and documents prepared, I could relax tonight. I nodded at Eve's subtle invitation, stroking her thigh. Her muscles, toned from years of exercise and swimming, felt firm.
*"No, I'm not busy. What about you, Eve?"*
*"I'm free… Can I come to your room tonight?"*
Eve stood, placing her hand on my shoulder. I gently pushed it away, saying,
*"Eve, the way you address me—it's a bit formal."*
*"What else should I call you?"*
*"Try 'husband'."*
*"Damn it."*
*"Just once."*
*"…Do I really have to? It's not my style."*
Eve hesitated for a long time. Sellu leaned against the pool edge, watching with interest, her eyes sparkling like a parent watching a child's first steps. After much deliberation, Eve spoke:
*"…Husband."*
Tonight's going to be wild.